Smith Brothers helps power new Cumbrian wind farm

A 13.2MW wind farm in Cumbria is one step closer to completion following the appointment of Elland based power engineers Smith Brothers.

The high voltage electrical experts have been awarded the design and build contract for Hallburn Wind Farm – a prestigious project developed and being constructed by REG Power Management.

The renewables giant is in the process of constructing a six turbine wind farm on the former RAF Longtown base on the outskirts of Carlisle. And once Smith Brothers’ work is done, it is expected to be energised and exporting to Electricity North West’s network by the close of 2017.

Acting as the Independent Connections Provider (ICP) for the contract, Smith Brothers is now responsible for the diversion and underground cabling of 1.5km of overhead lines running across the site. In addition to the contestable works package, Smith Brothers will also fit out the adoptable ENW sub-station and supply the 33kV switchboard and control equipment.

A turnkey Balance of Plant (BOP) contract will run concurrently. This 7-month phase of works will include the design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and energisation of a customer main substation, comprising of a 4-panel main 33kV switchboard. Associated control and supply equipment, an auxiliary supply pole-mounted transformer with low voltage automatic changeover switchboard and a mobile generator will also be included, as well as small power and lighting for the substation and a fibre ring network with SCADA control system.

Smith Brothers will additionally design and install a full site earthing system and comprehensive cabling package, including 2.5km of trenching and reinstatement works for interlinking earth, 33kV, fibre optic and multicore control cables.

Commenting on the project, Smith Brothers’ director John Smith said: “Wind power has an increasingly important role to play in the UK’s energy agenda, and the demand for our services in this sector shows just how progressive the renewables industry has become.

“This is the fourth contract we’ve delivered for REG in the past 12 months, and we’re excited to be able to help energise this 12MW site.”

Having worked on a number of wind and solar farm contracts throughout the UK, Smith Brothers has now connected close to a Gigawatt of power for the renewables sector alone.